On February 16, 2025, William Bryon won the 67th annual Daytona 500, winning the “American Race” for the second year.
The beginning of the day started slow with a cast of gray, thick rain clouds. However, once the race began, the drivers could not be stopped. Crashes occur in Stages 1, 2, and the end of the final lap. A scary crash left Number 60, Ryan Preece, flipping multiple times before coming to a stop. After assuring everyone he was okay, Preece told reporters, “When the car took off like that, and it got real quiet, all I thought about was my daughter. So I’m lucky to walk away.”
After the caution flag was lifted, three-time winner Denny Hamlin and 2022 winner Austin Cindric, raced to the finish line. However, after the drivers reached the final lap, a minor contact sent Hamlin, Cindric, and multiple other drivers out of the race. Byron avoided the crash, allowing him to race from 9th to 1st in seconds. Byron commented on his win, “Obviously some good fortune, but just trusted my instincts on the last lap. I had an amazing car, just had a hard time with the fuel-saving and staying towards the front. So crazy, yeah, I can’t honestly believe that, but we’re here.” Byron joined Richard Petty (1973-74), Cale Yarborough (1983-84), Sterling Marlin (1994-95), and Denny Hamlin (2019-2020) as the only drivers to win the 500 back-to-back.
Tyler Reddick finished second, with Jimmie Johnson coming in close third. Indiana-raised Chase Briscoe took home third place, followed by John Hunter Nemechek.
The 2025 Daytona 500 was a thrilling race from start to finish, with several lead changes and a dramatic finish. The drivers showed incredible skill and determination, making it a memorable race for all fans. After this astonishing finish, fans are eager to watch the rest of the season, anticipating more thrilling moments.
